From Where I Stand
By Aniria Williams
Edited by: David McConico, Kaleb Knowles, Ruquayya Sajjida
Never would I have thought to be here
Surrounded by the claws of my own expectations
Taught nerves bring tangible fears showing a twisted reality
The shadows of these four walls constrict with each day
From one hug to the next kiss, life has forever changed
Towards the future, my hope wanes
Three moments full of screaming walls
The weekend ebbs as my anxiety crawls
Life filled with tense confessions and direct avoidance
Never would I have felt the emotions coming
Brain riddled with anxiety
My feet trudge across the tan tiles, each step dragging on for miles
Body tipsy from exhaustion
Heartbeat racing, levels beyond sobriety
Tears fall on cotton fabric, knees bend, my mind dances about
Disappointment hugs the curves of my plush prison now
Never would I have embraced the consequences
Tone switches around new company
Golden sparkles surround me to protect my energy
Hands softly trace along my body hair to make a barrier
Denied access to my new carrier
Cut ties that bind for they’re toxic
Cause unwarranted soul ties just make me sick
Never would I have found a new perspective
Envelope new conversations that flow through my sanctuary
These four walls glow with remembered lessons
Stay consistent, to live is to build anew
Flip the script, you now know what you must do
Break the walls around your subconscious
Bring down the barriers that restrict you
Because without sacrifice, your insecurities will surely destroy you
Aniria Williams currently attends Spalding University as a Creative Writing Major. She is the host of a podcast titled WTF Is Life and is an affiliate streamer on Twitch. Nestled in the city of Louisville, Kentucky she can be found trying out the local foodies and discovering the hidden gems of the city.
